Yesterday I had the pleasure of co-producing along with Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, the C.H.I.P.S (Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service), annual charity luncheon to benefit CII (Children’s Institute Inc.) a charity that I’m personally very passionate about, at The Four Seasons Hotel. The event included a runway presentation featuring the Fall 2014 collection from Ralph Lauren.

Celebrities that came out to support the charity included – Ming-Na Wen, Katharine McPhee Morgan Fairchild, Decades Cameron Silver and special guest speaker Garcelle Beauvais.

CII’s Mission – For more than a century Children’s Institute has served the most at-risk and overlooked young people in Los Angeles-those harmed by child abuse, neglect, domestic violence, gang and community violence, as well as the crushing effects of poverty.

Supported Programs Funded by the C.H.I.P.S Include:

The Performing Arts Program -CII’s Family Resource Center offers an acclaimed Performing Arts program designed to enhance children’s self-esteem and help to build confidence.

Project ERIN -Emergency Response Intervention Network (ERIN), an emergency intervention and follow-up program for victims of domestic violence and their children (a collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department.)

Project Fatherhood – A program designed to help disadvantaged fathers become responsible, committed parents.

Child Trauma Treatment Program -A program that is working to develop research-based proven treatment services for children exposed to trauma.

To learn more about CII (Children’s Institute Inc.) and how you can help go to www.childrensinstutite.org

Image: Donato Sardella/WireImage